By Farah G. Decano

 

SOME individuals have personally declared February 25 a non-working holiday to commemorate the 1986 EDSA revolution and this is my way to remind us of this historical event.

May we remember to sing this song on February 25 and let the Spirit of Edsa live on!

           Ang bayan kong Pilipinas
Lupain ng ginto’t bulaklak
Pag-ibig na sa kanyang palad
Nag-alay ng ganda’t dilag

    At sa kanyang yumi at ganda
Dayuhan ay nahalina
Bayan ko, binihag ka
Nasadlak sa dusa

 Ibon mang may layang lumipad
Kulungin mo at umiiyak
Bayan pa kayang sakdal-dilag
Ang ‘di magnasang makaalpas

 Pilipinas kong minumutya
Pugad ng luha at dalita
Aking adhika
Makita kang sakdal laya

 You may even hum the song with your eyes closed.  Then slowly, let the music take you to  February 1986. Imagine the following:

A tank is approaching while you find yourself in locked arms with many other Filipino clergy and laity.  You are in EDSA at the height of the revolution!

“Walang gagalaw. Patay kung patay,” shouts one mobilizer.

Drops of sweat flow down your temple. Do you break the human chain and escape sure death? Or do you stay, die for your country,  and not see the light of the next day?

We know what the people in EDSA chose. They chose death over cowardice.

What happened in EDSA in 1986  was a demonstration of heroism by a multitude of Filipinos.

We must not allow new narratives to disregard and belittle the bravery of our people in EDSA.

We must always remember our history and never ever forget.

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